The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported the arrest of 10 individuals in Port Harcourt and various parts of Rivers State for suspected oil theft.
Basil Igwebueze, the NSCDC’s Commandant in Rivers State, revealed this information while presenting the suspects to the press in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. He mentioned the corps’ seizure of 15 vehicles utilized by the suspects in their unlawful endeavors.
Igwebueze highlighted the deployment of 2,345 personnel to strategic locations for safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure during the Yuletide season. This deployment aimed to prevent any security breaches during this period.
He emphasized the relentless efforts of the corps’ anti-vandal unit in curtailing the illicit activities of illegal oil bunkerers and vandals operating within the state.
Igwebueze stated, “The Anti-vandal Unit of the command arrested these 10 suspects and 15 vehicles were also impounded altogether. It should also be noted that these arrests were made possible through credible intelligence received which made our personnel swing into action without delay.”
He said that though the illegal oil bunkerers had devised another method by loading locally refined petroleum products in cellophane bags and especially concealing them, the eagle eyes of the command would fish them out while those operating illegal bunkering sites would be smoked out without compromise.
Igwebueze further disclosed that the suspects would be charged in court after a diligent and thorough investigation.
The state NSCDC Commandant further gave an annual scorecard for the year under review, noting that the number of arrests made were 176, 292 suspects and 17 convictions.
